On cold, cheerless days when the temperature is below normal, 
very little watering or damping is needed, and unless it is some particular 
species which cannot endure drying, it is safest to withhold water; other¬ 
wise, the plants will be surcharged and those with weak constitutions or 
immature growths will be liable to damp off or rot. A close, stagnant 
atmosphere is always to be avoided. In the summer, the air is very drying 
and the plants benefit greatly from frequent, light overhead spraying two or 
three times a day. 
The most common error for beginners, is overwatering the 
epiphytes, and especially Cattleyas. They want spraying overhead each 
day, even two or three times in warm dry weather, but do not apply too 
much water to the compost. Give them a good drink about twice a week. 
Do not rest your plants in saucers, and if they are on a bench be sure there 
is a crack beneath them that the surplus water will drain off. 
SHADING 
From early February to late October, shading must be provided. 
Outside roller blinds are far superior to any other method, for they may 
be left up on cloudy or dark days, or raised in the afternoon when the sun 
is lowered, and thus the plants benefit greatly from the increased light. 
They are also a protection against hail. However, satisfactory results can 
be obtained by shading with white lead and gasoline, which should be 
applied very lightly, just enough to exclude the direct rays of the sun. 
Cheesecloth stretched a few inches from the glass will provide a heavier 
degree of shading for those species which require it. 
It must be understood that a house running north and south will 
not get as much heat from the sun’s rays as one built east and west. In a 
house having full exposure to the sun in winter, orchids will need shading 
to some extent, while in one running north and south it can be dispensed 
with. Even in a very small greenhouse there exists plenty of opportunity 
for variations in shading, enough to suit individual plants by placing upon 
shelves or near the glass those which require much light, and putting those 
which require more shade on the less exposed side of the house. The ob¬ 
servant cultivator will find even a slight change of position in the house 
will often bring about marked improvement in growing conditions for a 
plant. 
POTTING 
Species bloom at stated seasons, but the hybrids are of irregular 
habit, due perhaps to their mixed origin, which makes them blossom and 
need repotting throughout the year. This makes it difficult to make a rule 
for potting separate plants, but the best time is after flowering or when they 
are starting to make their new roots. However, many of the Orchids do not 
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